Monday 5 October 2026 07:30 UTC
Yemen Offensive Begins as Houthis Cut Taizz Supply Route
Yemen’s government council announced a renewed offensive against the Houthis, backed by full operational support from the Saudi-led coalition. A field report said Houthi forces captured the Al-Ahad al-Shou’bah junction, severing the government’s last supply route into Taizz. Government troops could now leave only through mountain routes and would have to abandon heavy equipment. Separately, a tanker 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha reported several nearby explosions; its crew was safe.
Germany announced more than €1.3 billion in new weapons and winter energy support for Ukraine. During Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv, German and Ukrainian organisations also signed 15 agreements worth more than €8.5 billion, covering joint production, procurement and industrial projects. Germany will provide 2,000 jointly produced Bars interceptor drones, which Ukraine says have performed better than its other interceptors. The two countries have also begun establishing drone units in Germany using Ukrainian training and expertise.
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Iran said it would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until Washington meets seven conditions under an agreement reached in Islamabad in June. Tehran denied offering renewed nuclear inspections in exchange for sanctions relief and said the immediate dispute concerns maritime security and the order in which each side would make concessions. Meanwhile, at least 10 US B-1B bombers left Britain after nearly seven months supporting operations against Iran. The USS George H.W. Bush also entered port in Thailand, temporarily leaving the George Washington as the only US aircraft carrier in the Middle East until the Theodore Roosevelt arrives.